Decade Long Delay In Ic Case Sparks Call For Reforms

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The Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission (EAIC) revealed that an investigation into an identity card application by the National Registration Department (NRD) took over 10 years to be resolved.
In a statement today, it said the investigation was conducted based on a complaint received under Subsection 27(4) of the EAIC Act 2009.
It said the investigation found that the delay was due to several weaknesses in case management by the NRD investigating officers.
“The investigation found delays and irregularities in how the investigation papers were handled by the NRD officers, which caused a significant delay in taking action during the investigation,” the statement read.
The EAIC also disclosed that the loss of the original birth certificate, which NRD impounded, affected the timeline of the investigation.
ADSThe EAIC concluded that there is a need to improve NRD’s standard operating procedures (SOPs), particularly in setting a reasonable timeframe for follow-up actions in cases that are difficult or impossible to investigate or resolve.
The EAIC also found that the implementation of Regulation 25 of the National Registration Regulations 1990 (Amendment 2007), concerning individuals who fail to appear to give statements during investigations, should be reviewed in detail.
“It is recommended that improvements to the SOP and implementation of Regulation 25 of the National Registration Regulations 1990 (Amendment 2007) be carried out to ensure that NRD can act more proactively and effectively in conducting investigations,” it said.
The EAIC added that the Commission Meeting No 4/2025 held on April 8 decided to refer the findings of the investigation to the NRD director-general, along with recommendations for disciplinary action against the officers involved.
“EAIC has decided that disciplinary recommendations under Regulation 38 of the Public Officers (Conduct and Discipline) Regulations 1993 against the NRD officers involved should be referred to the NRD disciplinary authority for further action,” the statement read further.
- Bernama

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